tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79195122205348527132012-01-12T17:39:36.980-05:00His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. 2Peter 1:3Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.comBlogger2371100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-20261595972562990372011-12-31T06:22:00.000-05:002011-12-31T06:22:00.166-05:00

Blank page.New start.Fresh mercies of the Lord!How I do love a new year ahead! Even though nothing changes when Ryan Seacrest announces the new year from Madison Square Gardens, I love what a new year represents. I know I am the same person at 12:00am as I was at 11:59pm, but the potential seems bursting with freshness!As the chapter entitled "2012" opens I am excited to commit my own

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-3937642437993167942011-12-29T09:09:00.002-05:002011-12-29T09:21:55.925-05:00

I have always loved to write. I remember scribbling out story after story in my notebooks when I was only ten years old. I would try to think of new ways to start stories all the time!There was just something about a new, blank notebook that was nearly sacred to me. Still is.I have a heart for fresh starts. Maybe because I have desperately needed so many of them! I love mornings, new calendars

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-69353033846990323912011-12-22T13:41:00.006-05:002011-12-22T14:03:06.273-05:00

Though I have been MIA lately on the blog, the unseasonably warm weather on this first day of winter was ironic enough to inspire a few words. As I sit on my back deck and watch the birds flutter around bare trees, I am struck by the irony of God.Today is the first day of winter, yet the current temperature (which should be in the high 40s) is in the high 60s (maybe 70* right now!)! Ironic, huh?

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-27642882358420785862011-08-27T22:42:00.005-04:002011-08-27T22:59:03.411-04:00

When I first turned my Bible to Matthew chapter 11, I was excited to get a word about those sweet verses at the end of the chapter...you know tired mamas know the one: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." Just reading those words causes me to sigh with peacefulness. But no. That is not the Word the Lord had for me today. As I began to read it was as if a

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-16122327534515719062011-08-25T09:16:00.003-04:002011-08-25T09:43:03.205-04:00

I would like to vacation here: Or maybe even here: These are not expensive, elaborate places. But they are where I meet with the Lord Jesus the most. I often feel like Peter when Jesus took him and his two buddies up the mountain and was transfigured before them. In Matthew 17: 4 Peter sees his Lord like never before and he proclaims, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish I

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-27248572065804287872011-08-14T06:35:00.000-04:002011-08-14T06:35:00.791-04:00

One of the things I so love about the Lord is that He is willing to look past the obvious and give us the real need of our heart. You can pray for money and get fulfillment. You can pray for patience and get trials. You can pray for physical healing and get soul healing. That is just what we see happen as Matthew 9 opens. Jesus steps off a boat to see men bringing Him a paralytic on a mat.

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-30873558183234097902011-08-13T09:26:00.003-04:002011-08-13T09:35:21.311-04:00

Going further than is required is not a characteristic of many people these days. I don't mean to sound cynical, but it's true. I am not pointing the finger either, cause I know I can be that way, too! Get done what needs to get done, and then crash. As I came to Matthew 8 I was convicted by the extreme to which Jesus goes to accomplish His purposes. He does not just heal the sick, He reaches

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-67384016651262551092011-08-09T11:51:00.002-04:002011-08-09T12:06:00.429-04:00

Many words, much teaching, pregnant with such wisdom!! Enough books and commentaries to fill my house three times over have been written on chapters 5-7 of Matthew...also known as the Sermon on the Mount. This beautiful sermon spoken by the mouth of Jesus Himself contains wisdom for much of life. I sure we could study it for months and not scratch the surface of it's depth. I have been

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-40651180682350366382011-08-06T21:52:00.000-04:002011-08-06T21:52:00.093-04:00

One of the things I love about the book of Matthew is the repetition. Like a carefully woven fabric with pleasing color patterns throughout, the book of Matthew shows flashes of various repetitions that punctuate the canvas of this gospel like no other.One repeated concept twinkles in chapter 4. The second half of the chapter catches up with our Lord as He walked along the shore of the Sea of

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-51743192021218860162011-08-06T15:30:00.002-04:002011-08-06T15:47:21.949-04:00

Just about everything in life requires preparation...vacationing, parenting, marriage...in the days prior we prepare by spending our time, money and energy towards the event ahead.In Matthew 3 thirty years have passed since Joseph took his new family in haste to escape a wicked king. Now we meet an unusual fellow named John, with a contagious (or revolting, depending on which side you stand on)

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-73654597234125932202011-08-05T17:05:00.004-04:002011-08-05T17:15:27.840-04:00

I am not good at biting my tongue. If I have a thought I struggle to keep my mouth shut--good, bad or ugly! By the grace of God, He has grown me in this area...but much growth is left to be done!!Today as I traveled in my mind's eye through the wilderness with the Magi who came from the East, a fresh wave on conviction struck me. These men, loaded down with much luggage and riding bumpy, smelly,

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-51978223140624931042011-08-03T21:29:00.002-04:002011-08-04T07:28:59.212-04:00

Life is tough. That is not a profound statement, I know, but it is quite true. Isn't it?The thing about life is that you are always either in a trial, coming out of trial or about to begin a trial...sometimes whether you know it or not. We live in a fallen world, contaminated by sin. Jesus Himself never denied this fact. He assured us there would be trials and temptations and hardships throughout

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-32704873114990880072011-08-03T10:45:00.004-04:002011-08-03T15:50:13.139-04:00

As I look to the Lord to prepare my heart for the fall season ahead...and all its usual busyness...I have felt prompted to LOOK TO JESUS. Over the hot days of summer the Lord has increasingly pressed into my spirit that I am to Love Him, Press into Him and (thanks to the recent Living Proof Live in Charlotte) Hold Fast to Him. All of these are very similar concepts that require a focused look at

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-26547664180153121222011-07-18T08:39:00.003-04:002011-07-18T08:57:09.261-04:00

Somehow the summer is slipping quickly through my fingers. Every year I try desperately to hold on to the long, hot days of summer and yet the calendar continues to change...June becomes July and July becomes August and before long the leaves change color and we are smack dab in October!I'm getting ahead of myself, though. I guess with all the year round schools it seems July is wearing thinner

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-56400953788299840032011-07-14T08:07:00.000-04:002011-07-14T08:07:00.545-04:00

What if you woke up this morning with only what you had thanked God for yesterday?This question was presented to me as I was driving home this afternoon from my parent's house. I immediately turned down the radio volume and went to prayer. I felt convicted for not having lived thankful today and began to tell the Lord all I am thankful for. I really am a pretty thankful person...especially lately

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-28271841973811119662011-07-13T07:51:00.000-04:002011-07-13T07:51:00.249-04:00

Our life has shifted greatly over the last few months...to the praise and glory of God. And through much positive shifting, the Lord has brought "thankfulness" to my mind over and over. Like a parent our Father desires to bless His children, but is not pleased with the lack of thankfulness for those blessings.Today while listening to something on the radio Romans 1:21 was mentioned and I pulled

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-62155953788170348162011-07-12T08:09:00.000-04:002011-07-12T08:09:31.831-04:00

My boys are easily distracted at times. Like the dogs in the movie "Up" that suddenly jerk their heads to the side and freeze when they hear a rustle, thinking they see a squirrel, I have seen my sweet boys get off track even mid-sentence. Just yesterday I found myself frustrated with this, but I quickly realized they get it honest-- straight from mama!Though I am often a "two-feet in" type of

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-28923389820365187772011-07-11T09:14:00.002-04:002011-07-11T09:32:46.753-04:00

As I mentioned in a previous post, we celebrated my firstborn's birthday last week. The celebration lasted all week...presents, friends, eating out and even a sea of balloons covering our living room in festive color for days! As the week came to an end and the toys found a home in the playroom and the balloons were transformed to confetti, my son came to me one evening and said, "Thanks, Mom,

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-82810069894172121122011-07-10T10:37:00.003-04:002011-07-10T10:51:00.709-04:00

After watching a ridiculous show this morning that spoke of how the world was made...(yes, they claimed it was "made" but they claim there was no Maker!) Anyway, after watching said show I felt driven to open the Truth and remind my soul of these words:"Who is this that darkens My counsel with words without knowledge?" Job 38:2God was there, we were not. He alone was eternal and is eternal. His

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-90154674867385301262011-07-09T10:50:00.003-04:002011-07-09T11:01:10.590-04:00

Milestones.Markers of time that pass all to quickly. The only way to really grasp onto the flying of time is to pause long enough to take note of the milestones.A dozen years of marriage, eleven years of motherhood, school end celebrations and others have all marked my summer thus far. Stones of Remembrance though not tangible they are real just the same.Today I came to Psalm 106:2 (NLT)..."Who

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-23891459368016858882011-07-08T14:52:00.003-04:002011-07-08T15:32:06.668-04:00

Listening to the summer thunder rolling in the distance, I sit back and close my eyes. Pondering."Consider it pure joy..."One week ago the Lord closed a chapter. Two solid years had been swept up into an all- consuming storm. Not all bad. Today I sit, taking deep breaths and reflecting on all the Lord taught us and how true His promises have proven to be."...whenever you face trials of many kinds

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-66239939592054189142011-05-27T22:12:00.000-04:002011-05-27T22:12:03.664-04:00

Join me at CWO as we focus our minds on things above: http://christianwomenonline.net/2011/05/23/focal-point/

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-49751001013033386882011-05-21T05:21:00.000-04:002011-05-20T23:38:45.653-04:00

All you local friends, come join me THIS SATURDAY (TODAY!) from 12-3pm at Family Christian Store in Raleigh, NC!! I will be signing copies of my *newly released* Bible study, Knowing God Through His Names: A Ten Week Study with Our Unchanging God. I would be so blessed to see my bloggy friends there!What could be more fun than shopping with friends?! Here is a bit about the study:From Genesis

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-65374839624614606102011-05-14T13:18:00.000-04:002011-05-14T13:18:50.511-04:00

True brokenness is not something we often see in the world...or even in the church. Only in seeing the Lord Jesus in His truest light, do we begin to see ourselves and thus come to a place of true brokenness. Until our hearts are soft enough to be broken for what breaks God's heart, we will not be ready for healing or redemption. Join me as the Guest Post at Mary DeMuth's blog as we unveil what

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-12757929227322425672011-05-07T22:50:00.000-04:002011-05-07T22:50:13.595-04:00

In honor of Mother's day and motherhood...a word from Mrs. P (the Proverbs 31 woman)... How would you describe your individual relationship with each of your children? Moreover, how would they describe it? What about the relationship, the friendship, with your husband? The fruit of the presence of God in the life of Mrs.Proverbs 31 is evidenced in her relationship with her children and her

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-73551897807139391872011-04-27T22:38:00.000-04:002011-04-27T22:38:43.638-04:00

This post was an encouragement to me today, so I am reposting it and praying it encourages you this morning... Today, in my time with the Lord, we buried Jacob (aka Israel) (Genesis 50). His sons are grieving, but now they look around and realize it's just them and Joseph. Their guilt for having wronged him floods over them and in verse 15 they saw their father was dead and say, "Perhaps Joseph

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-26010775975247698892011-04-24T06:41:00.001-04:002011-04-24T06:41:00.373-04:00

To the great praise of our God...HE IS RISEN!!! May you see Him revealed afresh today! Happy Resurrection Day!!

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-69619549300637427142011-04-22T09:41:00.000-04:002011-04-22T09:41:07.802-04:00

In John 5 we see that God sent Jesus to reveal the Father and to make a way for you and I to intimately know Him. "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."( John 14:6) From Genesis to Revelation God also reveals Himself on an intimate level through His names. They speak of His character and the very heart of God. As we ponder Good Friday and all

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-4942313748008408042011-04-21T10:11:00.000-04:002011-04-21T09:35:11.659-04:00

Sorry I have been a bit MIA lately! My hometown was struck by violent storms and tornadoes this past weekend that has been followed up with a bewilderment cloud on many of us. Thankfully my family was safe, but over 20 families in the Raleigh, NC area are facing the loss of a loved one. The city is recovering and cleaning up. Please keep NC in your prayers. With Resurrection day just around the

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-16949314506229643992011-04-11T21:44:00.001-04:002011-04-11T21:44:43.162-04:00

Hours by the pool, splashing away with my boys, bike rides and park visits and hours with friends... I heart summer so very much! As the weather warms more each day, I am filled more and more with the anticipation of summer. The pool, the beach, the park, the sprinkler.. There is not much I do not love about summer. One of my faves is the warm evenings, sitting on the porch preparing for fall

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-48021872377989594562011-04-09T17:12:00.000-04:002011-04-09T19:13:54.603-04:00

From Genesis to Revelation, the one true God unmasks Himself through His names to those willing to look. This gives us an opportunity to have a renewed sense of who god really is and how powerfully He acts on behalf of those who love Him. Knowing God Through His Names knits together Old Testament names of God with New Testament names of Jesus. He is unchanging throughout the Bible, the one

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-7029065796259671812011-04-06T21:12:00.000-04:002011-04-06T21:12:12.587-04:00

It was just before the Passover feast, Jesus knew the time had come for Him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He now showed them the full extent of His love. (John 13:1) The full extent of His love. These Jewish men had followed Jesus for three years. They had heard Him teach and most of them had come to love Him dearly. As they mounted the

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-24155811349797208932011-04-01T11:19:00.001-04:002011-04-01T11:20:39.537-04:00

Heading north again...to a speaking engagement in Ferrum, VA! Praying for Jesus to be huge and tangible to these sweet ladies this weekend!! BUT... before heading out, I wanted to jump on here with a word the Lord gave me this morning...Right there in 2 Chronicles 16 King Asa had spent years (35 actually) walking with the Lord and seeking Him continually in all things. Then in verse 2 of chapter

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-5705149822916548072011-03-30T11:20:00.000-04:002011-03-30T11:06:14.365-04:00

My firstborn son has a fear of the dark that can be paralyzing at times. A few weeks ago, my little guy was sick with a bad cold and my man offered to sleep in the room the boys share in order to be up with him as needed so I could get my rest. Since my firstborn kept hearing his brother cough and that was keeping him up, I decided to bring him into my bed and quiet room that night. What a treat

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-64290625630024232662011-03-27T22:47:00.000-04:002011-03-27T22:47:07.713-04:00

My head is still spinning from a whirlwind weekend of seeing God show Himself mighty to a precious group of ladies in Pennsylvania. I had the opportunity to speak and do a book signing with a sweet group that is pressing into their God with refreshed fire! Praise Him! May He be glorified! I do not have much time to blog hop this week as I am still preparing for my own class this week. (We are

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-84381438176662052332011-03-23T06:00:00.002-04:002011-03-23T06:00:08.359-04:00

As we follow Jesus through His final week in human flesh, we see (among other things) His authority is questioned. (Matthew 21:23-27) If Jesus has anything, it is authority! Jesus came, God in human flesh, the fullness of the God-head. God proclaimed Himself as Adonai in the Old Testament to those willing to humble themselves to His Lordship. Adonai is the plural form of the singular "adon"

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-84525814261928542722011-03-21T22:16:00.000-04:002011-03-21T22:46:56.624-04:00

This week I have the opportunity and privilege to teach a precious group of ladies at a church in New Cumberland, PA. I have been asking the Lord to prepare my heart and the hearts of each one of those ladies who will attend! As I have, the Lord has given me these words: "Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together." (Psalm 34:3 NIV) Another translation says "Magnify the LORD with me

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-21625968495077833772011-03-20T18:37:00.000-04:002011-03-20T18:37:17.835-04:00

In reading through the Bible I came to a verse that just blessed my socks off this morning. After much struggle to learn a tough lesson and after a battle and ministry and praise and thankfulness before God, we see a beautiful example from King David in 1 Chronicles 16:43..."Then all the people left, each for his own home, and David returned home to bless his family." He returned home. To

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-47949013378494538532011-03-19T13:46:00.001-04:002011-03-19T13:47:49.224-04:00

Eight years ago today, I was blessed to birth my second son and the baby of the family! Seems his sweet big brother just turned eight and now here is my baby getting so big!! Hard to believe! How is it that motherhood can be so tough in the trenches, yet passes in a blink?! Just as I got babyhood under control, they became toddlers. Then I had toddler hood nearly mastered...just nearly...and

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-77207039555600984882011-03-16T08:23:00.000-04:002011-03-16T08:35:23.552-04:00

As we begin this 40 day journey towards celebrating the Resurrection Day, my thoughts turned again towards the humble statement of God in the flesh riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. (Matthew 21) In biblical times the most humble job was that of a shepherd. The Lord began the exclamation point on the end of His earthly life with a humble entrance. Ultimately the end would be only the beginning as

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-6476819572074368652011-03-15T08:18:00.000-04:002011-03-15T08:29:03.121-04:00

40 days. It is a monumental time period in Scripture. It rained for 40 days and 40 nights when God judged the world by water in Noah's day. Noah waited 40 days to open the window in the Ark. Moses was on the Mountain of God for 40 days. Israelites were in the wilderness for 40 years. It took the spies 40 days to search out the Promised Land. Goliath threatened the Israelites for 40 days before

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-15922586763604492992011-03-13T20:39:00.000-04:002011-03-13T20:24:50.630-04:00

The sound of little voices filled the hallway. I am blessed most mornings to hear the sound of my boys singing their original songs of praise to Jesus. My firstborn has the heart of King David...sensitive and poetic. It is precious to hear him sing at the top of his lungs to his Jesus. As I sat before the Lord this morning, He took back to Psalm 34...which has blessed me over the last few weeks.

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-13354904193414882042011-03-10T13:52:00.000-05:002011-03-10T14:17:41.231-05:00

Trapped behind a box truck in construction traffic drives me nuts! As I traveled blindly behind this truck at a snail's pace, God spoke to my heart. What is your turmoil here? It dawned on me that I am not a good follower. I did not like being BEHIND this truck. I could not see around him, so I was stuck to blindly follow. I realized I do the same thing with the Lord. I try glancing around the

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-40092040721876310822011-03-08T15:21:00.001-05:002011-03-09T09:21:20.164-05:00

Having met Jesus as a young adult, I had no trouble recognizing my need for Him. I was eye-ball deep in my sin and depravity when Jesus found me and it took no time for me to see my desperate need for His salvation.  But recently I came across a verse in the midst of Bible study that I knew was true, but had never noticed before...  Join me at CBN for my devotion and BOOK RELEASE!! Today Knowing

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-30034759189907809032011-03-01T09:38:00.001-05:002011-03-01T09:36:50.286-05:00

"NOOOO, ME first!!!" Came the shout from my youngest. Like a match that sets the forest on fire, his cry lit the spark to a heated moment of sibling rivalry. Me first. No, me first. It is the cry of our culture. It is how business (by and large) is done. It is the flesh cry roar of our empty souls. We want to go first, not miss out and be sure to get OURS! As I sat before the Lord this

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-44669517707869243272011-02-28T12:30:00.000-05:002011-02-28T12:30:36.405-05:00

Appointments, responsibilities, opportunities...running, driving and busyness probably fill your calendar like they have mine lately. I praise God for the incredible opportunities I've had and have upcoming. But they certainly lend to a busy schedule and a quiet blog! I have missed visiting with you all! The Lord gave me a bit of a day "off" today. I have a little guy who is under the weather

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-71477780506071596902011-02-27T22:34:00.000-05:002011-02-27T22:34:58.295-05:00

One sweet friend who is currently working through Knowing God Through His Names, posted about our need to live out godly compassion like our Savior here. I know you will be blessed by Pam's realness. I was convicted as I was reminded of my own need to serve family with the sweetness and compassion the Lord Jesus has on me!!

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-41739607182448465772011-02-23T10:03:00.000-05:002011-02-23T10:17:32.756-05:00

Has your life to this point, whatever season you are in, turned out as you expected? When I was in high school (several years ago), I had a precious English teacher who asked us to write about where we thought we would be in ten years---what we'd be doing, living, etc. Well, that was more than 15 years ago now, but I have often thought about that exercise. I wrote about being an interior

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-64059059423967616132011-02-22T12:53:00.000-05:002011-02-22T12:53:50.943-05:00

Check out the *new* trailor for Knowing God Through His Names. Have you begun to consider what study you will seek God through this SPRING? As the weather warms up and the days grow longer, let's continue to press into knowing our God intimately! For BIBLE STUDY LEADERS, you can order 5 or more Knowing God Through His Names NOW and recieve a bulk discount of 10% off!! ORDER HERE!

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-11209097415524151602011-02-21T16:59:00.001-05:002011-03-19T20:53:33.314-04:00

As my eyes opened this morning, I was immediately struck with a child-like excitement. Today is my birthday. From the time I met Jesus, I have so enjoyed hearing from Him on my birthday mornings...both my physical birthday (February 21) and my spiritual birthday (November 5). I just anticipate a sweet word from my Heavenly Father. He is always so sweet to deliver! This morning, after my man

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-52394279537397768242011-02-14T08:34:00.000-05:002011-02-14T08:34:42.945-05:00

These words have crossed my path several times over the last few days... "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." Matthew 22:37 The Living God wants ALL of you. He wants our WHOLE heart...every desire and passion we have to be His! He wants our WHOLE soul...our will and reasoning to be fully His. He wants our WHOLE mind...every thought taken

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-51763189828435946252011-02-13T21:36:00.000-05:002011-02-13T21:36:53.756-05:00

This morning the Lord gave me a sweet and sacred hour in His word before my house of boys awoke and began their own collection of noises. As I sat before Him and praised Him that He is my most favorite Valentine, I felt Him whisper these words of truth over me... "We love because He first loved us." (1 John 4:19) I sat really still trying to soak in the enormity of that. I love because He

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-64372605973166318022011-02-09T22:43:00.000-05:002011-02-10T08:06:21.665-05:00

The other day as I strolled through a local Christian bookstore in my area, I noticed a beautiful wooden clock. Engraved just under the clock face were the words "In God's Timing". As I looked closer I noticed the second hand on the clock was not moving! Now, I don't know if this was intentional or not...I assume the clock was probably out of batteries. But the illustration was not lost on me!

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-87067854838661640632011-02-04T13:21:00.000-05:002011-02-04T13:22:04.812-05:00

Pondering the thoughts of a month punctuated by LOVE and my Birthday, I began to have this song roll around in my mind...so I am reposting it. The intimate, personal and demonstrative love of God is so beautifully illustrated by these words.  I hope it blesses you as you hear your God "rejoice over you with singing" today. He is jealous for me,  Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree, Bending

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-68415903027126565482011-02-02T09:57:00.000-05:002011-02-02T09:57:36.409-05:00

Do you have a heart of worship towards our Lord in all you do today? Find me at Journezine as we seek a heart of worship together.

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-86757330972245423622011-02-01T12:20:00.000-05:002011-02-01T12:20:44.072-05:00

I am covered by an over sized Elmo and a green blanket. This is how I find myself most mornings after my time with the Lord. Ever since my boys were babies, I would spend a few minutes every morning "getting loves" from them. No sooner do I close my Bible, that a little guy comes strolling in the room half-asleep. At age 2, at age 6, at age 10...through every stage thus far, my boys climb on my

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-46271601127975770632011-01-30T22:04:00.000-05:002011-01-31T13:45:02.443-05:00

Life is tough! Bad things happen to good people and it rains on the just and the unjust alike. One day can consist of wonder-filled awe and face-to-the-carpet pain...all within a few hours! The Lord keeps bringing a verse to my mind that I am finally catching the hint that I need to memorize. (it takes me a minute to catch on sometimes!) In Isaiah 45:3 the Lord says "I will give you the

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-70439589739446730302011-01-28T23:14:00.003-05:002011-01-28T23:43:35.044-05:00

Are you looking for a Bible study to grow you in your intimacy with Jesus?? Join me on Tuesday nights as we go through Knowing God Through His Names. What? Your are not local to the NC area?? No worries!!! Order your book HERE!! (remember if you order 5 or more books, you get a free Leader Guide, too!!) AND you can LISTEN ONLINE each week: HERE !! Would love to hear your feedback if you

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-20593861712289051362011-01-26T19:45:00.000-05:002011-01-26T19:48:04.876-05:00

"Just fall, I'll catch you." When I was in high school a group of students went on a retreat to learn to trust one another. Not sure why. Or even why I agreed to go! I am NOT a trusting person by nature. But I went. We played this ridiculous game. You close your eyes and fall backwards into the (hopefully) waiting arms of your "friends". Most of the time they catch you. I remember falling

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-21619538670358636702011-01-24T22:12:00.002-05:002011-01-27T11:44:47.719-05:00

I am a terrible passenger. When I ride in the car with someone I can make them crazy with all my pseudo-breaking and my desperate inhales as they come to a stop. I can see break lights a hundred yards ahead and proceed to claw the door handle in fear of a violent crash. Drives my man nuts. Of course when I drive, I have no qualms with riding at 65 miles per hour 6 inches from the bumper of the

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-11129044359727264822011-01-21T10:11:00.002-05:002011-01-21T10:11:00.541-05:00

Dear readers, I have a couple of prayer requests. I know you are mighty prayer warriors...so I am bringing them to you. Please pray this weekend for me as I travel to the mountains of NC for a writing conference. Pray for no snow and a mighty work of the Lord in each person who attends. Pray also for me as I prepare to teach my Knowing God Through His Names study to 60+ ladies. God has  a mind

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-66977810991443520022011-01-20T08:00:00.006-05:002011-01-20T14:23:08.064-05:00

Ok, so Jenmom had this over at her place and I thought it was cute. My boys are 7 and 10 and had some insightful answers about mommy...so here is more info about me than you ever wanted straight from the mouth of my babes! 1. What is something Mommy always says to you? Do your schoolwork (7 yr old), I love you (10 yr old) 2. What makes Mommy happy? getting her favorite kind of lollipops (7),

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-570567099770711652011-01-18T22:28:00.000-05:002011-01-18T22:28:14.978-05:00

In my time with the Lord this morning, He opened my understanding to a name that encouraged my soul. The God of Truth...El Amen. El is the Hebrew word most often translated "God" or "god" in the Old Testament. It means might and power. Amen is the Hebrew word we often tack onto our prayers, without realizing what we are saying! It means truth, trust and believe. It denotes a firmness and steady

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-7586615095209305862011-01-17T20:32:00.000-05:002011-01-17T20:32:47.079-05:00

Thanks to all of you who entered the giveaway for my bible study, Knowing God Through His Names. My oldest chose a random number without looking and the winner is...... Tamrah!!!! YEAH!! I am happy to send you my bible study, just send me an email (http://www.growingodliness.com/) with your address, Tamrah! For the rest of you, my book is HERE and available for $14.99 + shipping. It is a ten

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-70930331026183235342011-01-17T09:41:00.000-05:002011-01-16T23:32:03.780-05:00

Ministry of any kind is not for the faint hearted. But there is something about women's ministry that really seems to require an extra dose of grace. Woman. We love each other to pieces and would like to claw each other to pieces! Amen? It is a blast being a woman, though. Recently as some dear friends and I got together to celebrate a birthday, we got to chatting about how much we love being

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-14734600088189056332011-01-15T18:42:00.000-05:002011-01-15T18:55:20.373-05:00

I do so love popping into some of my favorite blogs and seeing a giveaway going on. I never fail to comment and I have actually won one or two! Smiles. SOOOOO, now that I am living in an igloo of Knowing God Through His Names books. I thought why not give one away to my sweet readers? In 2007 a sweet friend suggested I start a blog. A WHAT? I had never heard of such a thing. But she, ever the

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-56965744018105965212011-01-13T13:26:00.001-05:002011-01-13T13:27:13.866-05:00

"Come and see what the Lord has done, how awesome His works in man's behalf!" Psalm 66:5 As I passed by a front window of my house this afternoon, (not that I was pasing by the window or anything!) I saw the most beautiful brown truck I'd ever seen!! Not that the truck itself is so wonderful, but its contents were incredible to me!!! The man dressed in brown stepped out and loaded up a dolly

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-147446249259747742011-01-11T15:24:00.000-05:002011-01-11T15:16:51.602-05:00

Thank you all for your prayers, encouragement and orders for the bible study! I am praying I can get them all out to you this week! I would like to INVITE all you local readers to JOIN ME on TUESDAY NIGHTS at 6:30pm. We will spend ten weeks on an intimate journey with the Lord as we get to know him through His names. I will be teaching through my new study and I would love for you local Raleigh

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-5875286697003363192011-01-10T16:13:00.001-05:002011-01-10T16:36:37.473-05:00

My *new* Bible study book is NEARLY here!!! The first shipment is set to arrive next week!! YOU CAN ORDER NOW!! I am so excited to share this study with you all. Through the ten week study you will encounter nine Hebrew names God uses to reveal Himself in the Old Testament and how they parallel nine New Testament names of Jesus in the New Testament. Our God is unchanging! He is the same

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-36803219155056632082011-01-06T12:01:00.000-05:002011-01-06T12:43:53.298-05:00

Storms hit us without warning. Many of us run to Jesus. The diagnosis. The phone call. The heartache. Our trials come in all shapes and sizes, don't they? They come in every season of life. Like us, David  ran to the Lord several times at the end of 2 Samuel 5. Every time an attack came, his enemies advanced on him...and he ran to inquire of the Lord. No one had to remind him to pray. Our

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-46171731626886888802011-01-03T07:45:00.000-05:002011-01-03T11:34:17.860-05:00

As I sat before the Lord this morning pondering a new year and all it might hold, I came to Exodus 33. I love this chapter so much. In this passage we find Moses, a man of God, begging God for someone to go with him to lead these people into the Promised Land. As Moses dialogues with the Lord, he says something that I found so resounding in my own heart for 2011. In verse 13 Moses says, "If you

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-31102967797645740302010-12-31T12:23:00.000-05:002010-12-31T12:37:31.520-05:00

I have just finished the longest Monopoly game I've ever played. For two solid days, my firstborn and I went head-to-head over a never-ending game of Monopoly. Now, I do not like the game much and I usually lose. Those two are probably connected... Anyway, my dear firstborn whose mind works so very differently than mine, LOVES the game. And he is quite good at it. As I sat watching my money

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-28100864880791348222010-12-30T01:00:00.000-05:002010-12-30T01:00:43.695-05:00

As a New Year quickly approaches, what resolutions are you considering...yet, again? Losing weight? Exercising more? What about memorizing Scripture? Or even reading through the Bible in a year? The reality is, at least for me, that what ever lofty resolutions I attempt, by mid-February I will have either forgotten them or failed at them. Over and over the Lord has been affirming to me that the

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-57949935716187026232010-12-26T23:45:00.000-05:002010-12-26T23:46:55.642-05:00

As my sons carted the last of the new Christmas treasures upstairs, my mind turned towards the new year. Our tree is still up...I so do love looking at it! I usually take it down the weekend of New Year's. Our yard (like many of yours) is now covered in more snow than we have seen in a while! And due to the sweet gifts and blessings the Lord poured out on us, our trash bins are pulled to the

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-75576759385606521482010-12-24T06:56:00.004-05:002010-12-24T06:56:00.402-05:00

"The word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14 May your Christmas be full of His glorious Presence!Blessings of Christmas to all of you!! Love, Mariel

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-69543435822745854042010-12-23T11:21:00.001-05:002010-12-24T22:04:30.249-05:00

 our tree :)  I love this time of year...this day, specifically. Two days until Christmas. Such anticipation. It is nearly tangible in my home! In the sounds of my boys giggling and my man shaking his gifts (yes, he is as excited as the children!) and the Christmas music in the background (Todd Agnew's album is my fave!). The living room is overcrowded with a tree, gifts, and seasonal

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-82285467189039134412010-12-21T16:34:00.003-05:002010-12-21T20:25:50.217-05:00

  “But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.” Luke 2:19 In the midst of birthing her firstborn (in a stable no less), and being greeted by shepherds with an odd story, and traveling 90 miles with a man she barely knew…Mary took the time to ponder and treasure the events around her.  The word translated ‘ponder’ here is the Greek transliterated word ‘sumballo’ .

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-42437650787876246352010-12-21T11:51:00.001-05:002010-12-21T16:33:12.339-05:00

Check out the Facebook Fan page for my new study... With all the busyness and chaos of the Christmas season, you and I can find stability and peace in the Living God. He has revealed Himself to us through His names in Scripture. We can know Him intimately and personally. Not just at a moment of salvation, but as Jesus teaches in John 17:3 "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-59184051566194840642010-12-20T10:18:00.000-05:002010-12-20T10:18:53.626-05:00

One of my favorite characters of Christmas is Joseph. He is an often overlooked part of the Nativity...just the guy who stands there next to the Mary figure---and we can't really decide whether this is the shepherd or Joseph... Anyway, we often overlook this righteous man of God, whose life proves to be a beautiful example of sacrifice: “And Joseph awoke from him sleep and did as the angel of

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-56481622883762781102010-12-17T08:41:00.001-05:002010-12-17T08:41:00.063-05:00

**I posted this on December 9, 2008...I found it today and realized what a sweet reminder it was for me...I pray it blesses you too** The economy is struggling, people are jobless, money is tight (to say the least!)...but praise God that Christmas is NO LESS Christmas! Without presents, bows, toys, trees or tinsel...a young, virgin and her betrothed husband brought forth the Son of God in a

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-70358325038999117512010-12-16T19:11:00.000-05:002010-12-16T19:11:10.117-05:00

Hi friends! I am so excited about Growing In Godliness' new BUTTON!! Several of you have asked about GIG having a button (non-bloggers, just bear with me here)...recently a sweet reader asked again. Since NC has been under icy rain/ snow today I had time to "play" online. I have created this fun button: How fun is that?! Check it out in my sidebar :) Also I wanted to share a verse that has been

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-43777681853630309402010-12-16T15:33:00.001-05:002010-12-16T17:07:51.188-05:00

Looking for a Christmas gift for a child you love? I recently recieved The Dragon and the Turtle for review by Blogging for Books and I think it would make a sweet gift for the child you love! The Dragon and the Turtle is a charming little picture book. It is the tale of a friendship that begins between the two characters, Roger and Padraig...to read the rest of my review and buy this cute book

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-76844794107854414462010-12-15T18:03:00.000-05:002010-12-15T18:04:12.861-05:00

"But the angel said to them, ' Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' " [emphasis mine] Luke 2:10-12 Let this very familiar passage wash afresh over you...these poor shepherds

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-23702284667919187472010-12-14T06:52:00.000-05:002010-12-14T06:52:00.385-05:00

"An angel of the Lord appeared to [the shepherds], and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified." Luke 2:9 Who wouldn't be? There you are sitting, half asleep, leaned against a tree in the cool Palestinian night listening to the lullaby of the nearby sheep. When suddenly the intense glory of the Lord, a fierce glow that could only be divine, overtakes you and your sheep

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-26431891463703240652010-12-12T22:24:00.001-05:002010-12-12T22:24:00.540-05:00

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night." Luke 2:8 Shepherds were some of the lowliest people of the town. They were out with their sheep constantly. Usually the sheep did not even belong to the shepherd. The shepherd was usually the youngest son or a man who was a bit of an outcast. They would keep watch over the family sheep. Yet,

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-34405306704025426612010-12-11T10:21:00.005-05:002010-12-16T13:31:24.525-05:00

"And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:7 As I pondered this verse, I couldn't help but notice that Mary and Joseph were really the ones who had "no room" for Jesus, physically speaking. They were in a borrowed stable. No decorated nursery or new crib for their firstborn son. And

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-48953765211626585332010-12-09T19:23:00.000-05:002010-12-09T19:23:18.402-05:00

"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born." Luke 2:6 Timing. Specifically God's timing. It has been on the forefront of my mind a lot lately. Much of what life entails requires timing. You wait for a house to close. You wait for a baby to be born. You wait for school to end or a job to start. Seems timing is everything. God has a perfect timing for everything. Even if it

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-49732454223868807652010-12-06T10:39:00.002-05:002010-12-06T10:41:48.662-05:00

"He [Joseph] went there [Bethlehem] to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child." Luke 2:5 What an understatement: "she was expecting a child." I love the understatements of the Word of God. How God just says it like it is sometimes. This was not just A child, but THE child. The One and Only Messiah that the world would ever behold. The One they had

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-33468368059422000882010-12-05T13:47:00.000-05:002010-12-05T13:47:49.575-05:00

"So Joseph went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David." Luke 2:4 As I began to ponder this verse, I couldn't help notice that it mentions that Joseph is from the house and line of David. There is not much difference in these terms. "House" is  from the Greek "oikos" meaning the household of David. And

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-26937115219190201192010-12-02T13:45:00.001-05:002010-12-02T13:47:29.183-05:00

"And everyone went to his own town to register." Luke 2:3 Who are the hardest people to minister to? Isn't it your own family? Your friends who knew you before you knew Jesus? What is it about those people who are the hardest to reach? Even Jesus struggled to break into the ones He grew up among. (see Luke 4:14-30) Those that know us best tend to be the very ones who refuse to grace us when

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-64946762808806142942010-12-01T16:53:00.000-05:002010-12-01T16:53:54.287-05:00

I recently recieved the book Radical by David Platt from Waterbrook Multnomah. I cannot say enough about this book. It was incredible! The only other book in its category is Crazy Love by Francis Chan. You can read my review here. If you have not read these books, I highly recommend you get your steel-toed shoes and get to reading!! God has a word for His people in these books!

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-82348863435224552572010-12-01T08:59:00.001-05:002010-12-01T08:59:00.859-05:00

"(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)" (Luke 2:2) When I first came to this verse, I felt like I do at times in the middle of reading a long list of begots....Ladan begot Jehiel begot Zetham begot Joel... But I was immediately reminded that all Scripture being God-breathed with purpose (2 Timothy 3:16). So I began to dig into who Quirinius was and

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-78473312059472801372010-11-30T10:54:00.000-05:002010-11-30T10:54:02.999-05:00

"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census be taken of the entire Roman world." Luke 2:1 A decree was issued for a census to be taken so the government could financially increase. Not very spiritual. Often we think government is one thing, the things of God another entirely. Not so. Our God sits on a throne and rules as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The Living God is

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-31759867244260679262010-11-29T09:31:00.000-05:002010-11-29T09:31:53.786-05:00

With only 26 days until Christmas, my family has decided we will memorize (take captive our thoughts to) Luke 2:1-20. What would be more appropriate? Every day we will add one verse. It takes perseverance and determination--and a whole lot of God's grace! When I memorize, it helps me to really meditate on the verse and break it down. So I will be "deconstructing" each verse, as the Lord leads,

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-11277123023303995712010-11-28T22:21:00.001-05:002010-11-28T22:25:13.192-05:00

Last week I read an incredible article about a woman who has memorized several books of the Bible. Yes, books. She has also memorized many additional chapters. As I read her interview, I was convicted and challenged. I already try hard to memorize Scripture. But to be honest, I fail more often than I actually succeed. The Lord is faithful to bring verses to mind as I need them, but how much

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-83554874398601651432010-11-24T14:43:00.001-05:002010-11-24T14:43:00.299-05:00

Praying you all have a very blessed Thanksgiving!My final Thankful Feathers are for all the sweet readers and blog friends I have met in the blog world. What a sweet community! May the presence of the Lord fill your homes today. Love, Mariel

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-374124863658038962010-11-22T10:06:00.001-05:002010-11-22T10:08:37.534-05:00

"Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him." Psalm 33:1 Something about passing on faith through the generations just blesses me. I love stories of elderly grandmothers who have shared their faith with their grandchildren. God loves it, too. Over and over we see in Scripture how parents are instructed to tell their children the wonders of the Lord,

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-79126461840661824102010-11-21T09:41:00.001-05:002010-11-21T09:41:00.077-05:00

The Lord has apparently opened my eyes to the simple things lately...so today I am offering my thankfulness for another simple pleasure. I live on a hill that has a gorgeous overlook of trees. When the seasons change you can sit right there on my front porch and see a thousand different colors on the horizon. I love my front porch. It has rocking chairs and a breeze that could put to to sleep.

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-23167956538394903322010-11-20T08:00:00.002-05:002010-11-28T21:39:40.538-05:00

This morning I woke up in a warm comfortable bed (thanks to mom and dad for the new mattress!) in a beautiful home to the sound of my boys' laughter down the hall. As I pondered these gifts I thought I'd share them with you as Thankful Feathers. They are simple gifts. But they are good gifts I do not take lightly. "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919512220534852713.post-34991030954410251282010-11-19T09:11:00.002-05:002010-11-19T09:11:00.052-05:00

Encouragement. We all need it. Unfortunately some are lacking it, and still others are addicted to it.  It is not meant to be an idol. But it is an icing on the cake of life that God provides us, if we are willing to see. Saul was a wicked man with more zeal than could be contained in one body. According to the book of Acts, he persecuted and killed many followers of Christ until he, himself,

Marielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14478545338026697454noreply@blogger.com6